France held a slender 10-7 lead at the break, although it would be the islanders who seized the initiative early in the second half.

Joe Tekori scored and Tusi Pisi converted to put Samoa in front, and for a moment, the visitors were in sight of their second big upset in the space of two weeks. Having shocked Wales in Cardiff, they were now in a position to beat France in Paris.

But France took control as the game moved into the final quarter. Michalak displayed a cool head to slot four penalties and secure the result.